Monday, December 31, 2012

~ As the Year Comes to a Close ~

As another year comes to a close many of us are reflecting others are planning ahead. Dreaming of being more organized, spending more time with family or just enjoying the process of each day as it unfolds. 
Which of

Thursday, December 27, 2012

~ Saying Good-bye to Christmas and Wishing ~

Wow! It's hard to believe the hustle and bustle of Christmas is behind us. The crowded malls, the extra "crazy" drivers on the freeway, short tempered clerks, all of that is behind us for yet another year. Did you rush out at the last minute to buy a gift or two you had forgotten to pick up? Did you forget the cream cheese for the icing? Or are you a Martha Stewart organized person?  Even with all the last minute oops here and there everything always manages to come together. The stress of making sure it all gets done is put behind us and we enjoy our time together. I hope you all were good boys and girls and got what you asked for!

The last couple of weeks flew around our home. My daughter and grandson came home for Christmas, they were here a glorious 13 days. The extra feet roving across the floor, laughter and utter chaos made my heart sing. The roof had to have gone up inches with the extra noise. What joy our children and grands bring when they come home.
The tree was all a glow on Christmas eve, with

Sunday, December 16, 2012

A Prayer for Newtown, Christmas in the Laundry Room

I'll start this post today by saying I'm still, as many of you, in a state of shock over the last few days events. The horror, disbelief and lack of understanding of how a person can harm innocent children leaves a black cloud over my heart. There is no possible motive that can ever come to light to make any sense of this tragedy. I pray our loving Father gives their families and all those effected the needed strength. May we all become more loving and caring with our own families.
I think I'm officially finished with all the Christmas decorating as Mr. P laughs in the background and says, "a right." Oh he knows me so well, about the time I think I'm done I come up with another idea and a spot I haven't quite touched with some holiday cheer. Do you ever do that? Or is it just me? 
It's no secret

Thursday, December 13, 2012

~ Christmas on the Kitchen Hutch ~ Round II

I'm sure many of you have seen the hutch in the kitchen like a gazillion times. It's one of those pieces of furniture that screams out to be decorated over the top or even with an understated decor. This year I tried not to go over the top, you can see in my previous post HERE, less was more. You may also recall reading my decorating took on a life of it's own.
Before I knew it

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

~ Christmas Touches in the Dining Room ~

Happy 12-12-12
Once in a lifetime of dates.
A magical day full of
miracles and fun things.

The Christmas spirit has hit the house full on. Keep in mind I'm doing a lot less decorating than in years past. Sometimes my belief is less is more. I know, I know not my personality right? The last few months I've had a change of heart. Seeing too many things on one shelf or tabletop has made me dizzy. So, I've scaled back showcasing only my favs. ( We'll see how long this lasts. lol )
The dining room is a

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

~ First Glimpse of Christmas in the Kitchen ~

Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year. I love all the decorating, the hustle and bustle, Christmas carols playing and as in years past snow. This year I've struggled a tad getting into the Christmas spirit. It finally hit the other day and I got busy gathering my thoughts and Christmas decor.
I got a great line

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

~Decorating the Back Door For Guests ~

You've heard the old saying back door guests are the best? Our back door has been the main entrance to our home for the last 16 years. Although I have the beautiful front porch I literally live on during the Spring, Summer and Fall months of the year, I rarely decorate it for the Christmas holidays. I guess you can say it's a 3 season porch.
If you've been a visitor to the blog for long

Sunday, December 2, 2012

~ A Vintage Watering Can Say Christmas Right? ~

Heavy fogs this a.m. didn't detour me from my mission. Bright and early the dogs and I took a walk along the fence row to cut some fresh greens from the cypress trees. All gloved up and arms covered so as not to have it touch my skin (a tad bit allergic) back to the house we came. 
I wanted to change things up at the back entry this year. In years past